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New Zealand Rugby announce ground-breaking Pasifika strategy

Ardie Savea of the All Blacks and team mates perform the Haka during the The Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup match between the Australia Wallabies and the New Zealand All Blacks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 29, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced a ground-breaking five-year Pasifika strategy on Friday, which was led by Pasifika, for Pasifika with the hopes of seeing an increase in opportunities at all levels of the game.

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Four pillars (pou) set the strategy’s tone: Kelekele (preparing the soil), Tot? (planting the seed), Tubu (growing our Pasifika people) and Lalanga (strengthening the shared vision of NZR and Pasifika people).

NZR will support the Provincial Unions, Super Clubs and clubs with how the strategy can inform their efforts in embracing and supporting the Pasifika community.

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NZR Chair Dame Patsy Reddy said the strategy expresses NZR’s commitment to empowering Pasifika people by infusing Pasifika values into their rugby environments.

“This strategy represents our collection of visions and aspirations for Pasifika in rugby,” Reddy said. “It is our commitment to see environments where Pacific people can flourish and ensure our sport is responding to the specific needs of the Pasifika community.

“Pasifika have made an immense contribution to rugby in New Zealand, particularly on the field. The strategy is tasked with supporting New Zealand Rugby and wider rugby community to provide a range of pathways for Pasifika on and off the field.”

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The importance of the initiative being Pasifika-led was highlighted by NZR Tausoa Fa’atasi Co-Chair and NZR Emerging Director Pauline-Jean Luyten. A statement from NZR revealed the extent of the consultation process, with over 20,000 hours being volunteered by professional and community Pasifika players, their families, coaches, referees, directors and administrators across Provincial Unions and clubs.

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“NZR is showing it can do things differently and the co-design process was that point of difference,” Luyten said. “Being Pasifika-led is a step toward rebalancing the vaka and nurturing the v? (the relational space between people or groups), ensuring we feel valued and belong in the rugby system. This strategy is about us and has been crafted with us.”

“Faka Malo ‘aupito (thank you) to our k?inga (family) and communities who were involved with the consultation process. Your shared lived experiences were integral to the strategy’s development. We also acknowledge our non-Pasifika for their open hearts and desire to work as a collective.”

The strategy comes with a plan for implementation and will inform NZR’s annual strategies moving forward.

Former All Black and NZR Pasifika Engagement Manager Saveatama Eroni Clarke highlighted the importance of the strategy and the opportunities it will promote.

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“For many years Pasifika have made a significant impact towards on-field success and I am thankful for our trailblazers who have paved the way. I’m so proud of this achievement, it’s a historic moment for our Pasifika rugby communities. I am excited to witness the outcome of this strategy and see our people pursue their aspirations.”

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Comments

22 Comments
S
Sean 435 days ago

Lot of words with very little information. Poor writing

a
atawhai 436 days ago

NZRUs biggest threat in the Pacific is Rugby League. NRL is taking a whole lot of oval ball talent that traditionally would have come Unions way. Next is European Rugby and their money. There are more and more scouts who head down here to get them young, and more Pacific networks and communities in Europe than ever before. Good luck!

J
Jon 437 days ago

Will be interesting to see what plans they have. Would love a new All Black side to be formed alongside Maori ABs as part of the movement.

K
KELLY 437 days ago

Is this artical about pinching Moana Pacific’s best players to play only for the All Blacks?

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RedWarrior 20 minutes ago
Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss

The English defense was excellent in the first half. This is considering Ireland's attack has improved significantly since the Autumn with former Leinster attack coach Goodman. Ireland were beaten by NZ in the Autumn, are behind SA and arguably behind France so de facto 4th in order (rankings take time to catch up) As Eddie Jones said Ireland are still in that elite group so England's domination in the first half is noteworthy.

I believe they have spent the time since the Autumn largely on defence. On broken play they were relying on Smiths instint along with some jiggery pokery. For Smiths early line break a Twindaloo blocked Baird which left the gap for smith. It looked like he did Aki, but Baird was a little late arriving and clever play by Tom Curry allowed the gap for Smith. Earls line break was Smith spotting Baird coming out and beating him with a beautiful pass to Earl.

We saw the rehearsed plays for a couple of Ireland's tries. The Aki try was just identifying that England tended to hide Smith on the wing creating a vulnerability which Ireland exploited with one of Akis great finishes.

Although Ireland were relaxing at the end the two English tries were good enough quality and we may see more of it next week (Scotland will also have taken note).

Although on the easier side of the draw Borthwick almost took England to a RWC final.

But in common with the top4 you need to have firepower to get those tries in big games. Can Borthwick manage that? I don't think so.

Next week even if England have a great first half again, you would be looking at France converting 3 of those Irish chances and pushing on after the break.

Can Borthwick develop a plan to beat France in the next few years. If the answer is no England need to find someone who can.

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